This article describes the three main types of lipids and what each of them do.
Phospholipids
Phospholipidsmake up the outer layer of cells in the bodies of animals and humans.
They create a protective layer around the cells.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
Most people do not have to worry about phospholipids.
However, they can cause problems for people with a rareautoimmune disordercalled antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
APS often happens in people withlupusespecially women.
A common name for APS is “sticky blood.”
In people with APS, the proteins on phospholipids get attacked, and the protective layers are damaged.
Sterols
Sterols are a kind of steroid.
Steroids are a group of hormones the body makes using lipids.
You might have heard aboutplant sterolsor phytosterols.
Since cholesterol is a fat, and isnotwater-soluble, it requires protein to carry it through the bloodstream.
HDL is called good cholesterol because it absorbs cholesterol and brings it back to the liver.
LDL is called bad cholesterol because it can build up in the blood vessels.
Triglycerides are important because they give us energy.
The lipids we consume in our diet can besaturated or unsaturatedfats.
Unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature and are often, but not always, derived from plants.
While “lipids” and “fat” are sometimes used interchangeably, fat (a.k.a.
fatty acids) is only one key in of lipid.
They also lower the risk ofsudden deathfrom a heart attack and prevent blood clots from forming.
They also increase the shelf life of baked goods.
So, what foods raise triglyceride levels?
A buildup of LDL cholesterol canclog the arteries(atherosclerosis).
These ‘clogs’ can narrow the opening of the artery and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
They might also want you to have the test if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease.
A lipid panel is also called a cholesterol test.
From these values, the lab will calculate your cholesterolratio.
They also offer many health benefits.
Triglycerides and cholesterol may pose health risks if your levels are too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver.
Triglycerides are mostly derived from your diet, and excess triglycerides are stored as fat.
Your lifestyle choices, including diet, have a major influence on the production of cholesterol and triglycerides.
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